Seattle, Washington: Darin Montgomery, a third generation craftsman and metal sculptor, founded Urbancase in 2002. His design philosophy is to create furniture and objects that contribute to a simpler, pared back lifestyle focusing on basic aesthetic elements and functionality. His wife, Rachel Illingworth, grew up in Tasmania, where she received a BFA from the University of Tasmania and is an internationally exhibited printmaker -- a show is currently scheduled for April in Australia. The Subway Cushion and Subway Getaway Blankets were inspired by a trip to Berlin, where they spotted military blankets at a flea market. They liked the idea of using an item that was intended for utilitarian purposes as an item of comfort.
Q: When did you first realize that design was something you wanted to pursue?
A: Whether I was decorating my room, sketching my dream apartment, or selecting the perfect handle grips for my bicycle, I can't rememer a time when I wasn't thinking about design. My parents were very encouraging and gave me the freedom to make my own aesthetic decisions at an early age. Even so . . . I think my Mom may have questioned that freedom when she had to paint over the black walls I left in my bedroom when I moved out.
Q: When did you first begin working in sustainable/green materials and why?
A: I don't think it was a conscious decision and it's not something we necessarily think about when working on a design. It's more about the materials we respond do. We don't connect with synthetic products in the same way we do natural materials and as a result I believe it leads to more sustainable practices.
Q: What inspires you?
A: For design inspiration, I (1.) scour files at the Library. It's a great source for ideas that may or may not have been successful and most likely won't make it into a recently published design book or magazine. (2.) Collaborate. (3.) Have a conversation with anyone who is doing something they feel passionate about.
Q: What music are you currently listening to?
A: Black Angels, Husky Rescue, We Were Promised Jetpacks, and Elvis Perkins.
Q: What is your favorite travel story?
A: Having cold meat, cheese, break, and a cheap bottle of wine on the veranda of a scrappy hotel room overlooking the rooftops of Paris with my wife.
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